Each year thousands of bands, music lovers, and industry geeks invade Austin, Texas for the South By Southwest Music Conference and Festival like a swarm of locusts who break at nothing in pursuit of good concerts, cheap beer, and free BBQ. But with upwards of 2000 bands playing each year, the task of narrowing down who and what to see and when can be a daunting one. We’ve compiled a list of some of the performers we’re most amped about this year. If you can’t make SXSW this year, we hope you will check them out next time they play your town.

The Other Woman, who is decidedly un-locust like, will be heading down to Austin this week, so if you have any suggestions for bands to check out or wanna cheers over a Lone Star, follow her at @manbquemusic on Twitter.

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The Atlas Moth: The band’s stunning second album, An Ache for the Distance (Profound Lore) was one of our favorite records in 2011. With an ability to incorporate elements across a broad spectrum of styles not limited to psych, prog, black metal, and hardcore in a way that is both exploratory and accessible, we wouldn’t be surprised if the Atlas Moth crossed over from the underground to a much broader audience of rock and heavy music lovers.

JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound: In a short amount of time, JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound has become one of the most talked-about bands in Chicago, and for good reason. It’s mix of high-energy vintage soul, seasoned with a twangy alt-rock twist is the kind of music that will get even your most sour, bitter friends dancing, or at least tapping their feet when they think no one will notice. The band is making its SXSW appearance in support of it’s latest record, Want More, which was released in October, 2011 on Chicago-based label Bloodshot Records.

John Wesley Coleman III: Born and raised in Texas, Coleman’s brand of laid back, twangy garage rock is flavored with his outsider wit and irreverent attitude. His latest album, The Last Donkey Show, released last month on Goner Records, is said to contain some evidence of “maturity,” but you know, everything is relative…

Ceremony: This Northern California five piece has been breathing new life into classic punk and hardcore styles, wearing influences like The Cramps, Joy Division, Black Flag, and Tom Waits proudly across their full-sleeves (figuratively speaking, most likely). After a succession of acclaimed records on Bridge Nine, Ceremony was signed to Matador Records where it released it’s latest album,